XMD Challenge

XMD Challenge19 August,2016mdunnam

A Vintage Journey

Welcome to the XMD Challenge 2016!

Are you ready for a truly exciting contest with awesome prizes! I would like to introduce the first of many XMD Challenges! This challenge will be utilizing XMD Brushes within ZBrush by following the story-line below. There are 2 entry categories; a character & an environment. You are not required to start or finish in ZBrush, but you must use ZBrush in your workflow. You must also use XMD Brushes. There are 2 premium XMD brush sets that will be given away free when you register for the contest. There are also premium sets and free sets available here.

Of course, if you would like the entire collection of XMD Brushes to use for the contest, you can always grab an XMD Life-Time Membership. For the duration of the contest, the membership will be $23! With the membership, you get everything that is ever produced by Michael Dunnam on Gumroad free, for life! After cost of the one time membership fee.

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will” – George Bernard Shaw

The Story

*Updated* (Changed the “man” to a being instead. It was never intended to be a “man”)
David Darello shields his eyes from the blinding light. A warm feeling engulfs him. He lowers his arm and as he gradually opens his eyes he is suddenly taken aback by the view. In front of him is a majestic city, unlike anything he’s ever seen before. As the initial shock wears off, David is startled to discover a presence next to him. As he turns to his left, he finds a strange looking being standing next to him, smiling. Like the impressive city in front of them, there is also something off about this being. David blinks and tries to shake off, what is obviously a hallucination.

The alien being introduces itself; however, David cannot understand what it is saying. It sounds like a few barks and clicks. The being stops speaking as if in the middle of a thought. It reaches into its pocket and pulls out a small device. As it hands it over, suddenly David feels the same warmth from before engulf his body once again. All of a sudden David can understand the strange being’s language as if he himself had spoken it all his life. The being explains that they are no longer on Earth and that David has been transported into another world. The strange entity continues on and describes how the citizens of this city are enamored with the culture of Earth in the early 1900’s. “Well that explains why everything looks odd,” David thinks to himself. The odd being quickly agrees, leaving David unsure as to whether he accidentally said what he was thinking out loud.

The entire city is a sort of futuristic/alien version of Earth’s early 1900’s, late Art Nouveau, Art Deco style of architecture, vehicle design and clothing style, but noticeably uh…….”different”. The alien technology looks to be extremely advanced.

Imagine what the world looks like. Continue the story with one 3D rendered image.

Briefing – Choose your Destiny!

Character Entry

For the character challenge, you are to create a final, polished character using XMD Brushes & ZBrush. You are required to show your work in progress throughout the competition in the Polycount predesignated forum. Going above and beyond the minimum requirements for the competition will not go unnoticed. In your image you may also include technology, additional characters & creatures, and environment/architecture! You must have at least one character as your main focal piece in your final submission. However, your work will be judged on several criteria. Composition will be a critical part of your submission. Along with composition, each piece will be judged on originality, design, story, and interpretation of the theme. Make sure you pay attention to lighting and color. Attention to detail is key. For the most important aspect, you must use the XMD Brushes. How you use them is up to you. Be creative and have a blast!

Environment Entry

For the environment challenge, you must create a final, polished environment using XMD Brushes & ZBrush. You are required to show your work in progress throughout the competition in the Polycount predesignated forum. Going above and beyond the minimum requirements for the competition will not go unnoticed. In your image you may also include characters & technology. The environment must be your main focal point in your final submission. However, your work will be judged on several criteria. Composition will be a critical part of your submission. Along with composition, each piece will be judged on originality, design, story, and interpretation of the theme. Make sure you pay attention to lighting and color. Attention to detail is key. For the most important aspect, you must use the XMD Brushes. How you use them is up to you. Be creative and have a blast!